Sudan claimed their first Sudan AFCON victory since 2012 after a dramatic 1–0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca.
Crucially, Saul Coco’s late own goal proved decisive and pushed the Falcons a significant step closer to the knockout stages of AFCON 2025.
As a result, Sudan now sit on three points in Group E alongside Algeria and Burkina Faso.
Moreover, the win carries added significance for a team that played its qualifiers outside Sudan due to the ongoing civil war.
Early Dominance From Equatorial Guinea Fails to Deliver
Both sides entered the contest desperate to respond after opening-game defeats. Consequently, Equatorial Guinea started on the front foot and controlled the early tempo. In particular, they carved out two clear chances inside the opening 25 minutes.
Pedro Obiang went closest during that spell. After a poor defensive clearance, the former West Ham midfielder stretched to meet a rebound but lifted his effort narrowly over the crossbar.
Frustration Builds Before the Interval
However, despite their early pressure, Equatorial Guinea failed to turn dominance into goals. Meanwhile, Sudan struggled to gain a foothold and offered little in attack.
A lengthy stoppage midway through the half increased the tension, yet neither side found any attacking rhythm.
As frustration mounted, the referee brandished three yellow cards, including two in quick succession before the break. Still, the contest lacked quality in the final third.
Second-Half Urgency Raises the Intensity
After the restart, the urgency increased. Almost immediately, Equatorial Guinea threatened again as substitute José Nabil cut inside and fired just wide of the far post, producing their best opening of the match to that point.
Nevertheless, Sudan slowly grew into the game. Around the hour mark, Mohamed Eisa finally tested the defence, only for Esteban Orozco to clear his goal-bound effort brilliantly off the line.
Despite spending long periods under pressure, Sudan continued to believe. Eventually, that persistence paid off in the 74th minute.
A dangerous free-kick whipped into the box took a cruel deflection off Saul Coco and looped beyond goalkeeper Jesús Owono. Immediately, the defender cut a distraught figure as Sudan celebrated a stunning breakthrough.
Soon after, the Falcons nearly doubled their lead when Yasir Mozamil’s teasing cross flashed across goal and narrowly avoided a finishing touch at the back post.
Consequently, the 117th-ranked nation in the world secured a famous victory and ended an eight-game Afcon winless run, which included defeat to Algeria four days earlier.
Furthermore, the result reignites Sudanese hopes of reaching the knockout stages for only the second time since 1970.
Group E Picture Tightens Ahead of Final Round
Looking ahead, Sudan face Burkina Faso in Casablanca on Wednesday (16:00 GMT), with both sides locked on three points. Meanwhile, Algeria meet Burkina Faso later on Sunday in Rabat (17:30 GMT).
Equatorial Guinea, however, face a daunting task. They meet group favourites Algeria in Rabat on Wednesday, knowing they must produce a major upset to keep their hopes alive and challenge for a best third-placed spot.
